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Is anyone else having issues with Costco's website constantly reloading? I've tried multiple browser.
I have the same problem with the main page in the app, but the warehouse section is fine. Is this only a problem for Apple users? Yes, I've kept up with updates.
From balloon bans to AI rules and new protections for consumers, here's a look at some of the Louisiana laws taking effect Aug. 1, 2026.
BATON ROUGE, La. — A ban on balloon releases and expanded oversight of the Sewerage and Water Board are among dozens of Louisiana laws taking effect Aug. 1.
In Louisiana, most laws passed during the regular legislative session take effect Aug. 1 unless lawmakers set a different date.
Some closely watched laws have already taken effect, including “Bryan’s Call,” a statewide alert system for missing children and adults with intellectual, developmental or cognitive disabilities, and a controversial law reshaping the Orleans Parish court system by eliminating the clerk of court position.
Here are some of the most notable laws taking effect on Aug. 1.
Sewerage and Water Board reform
Act 938 gives the New Orleans City Council expanded oversight of the Sewerage and Water Board, including authority over rates, fees, budgets, contracts and hiring decision. City leaders are already working on ordinances to put some of those changes into effect.
Balloon release ban
Under Act 196, intentionally releasing balloons outdoors is prohibited under Louisiana’s litter laws. The law applies to organized releases of 12 or more balloons at events, including vigils and memorials, which can be subject to criminal intentional littering penalties. The ban does not apply to balloons made of biodegradable or photobiodegradable materials.
AI and child sexual abuse material
Act 892 expands Louisiana’s child sexual abuse material laws to include AI-generated images and other digital depictions of children in sexual acts.
Act 211 criminalizes using an image of an underage person to train AI models to produce child sexual abuse materials. Under this law, the child in question does not have to be real.
Deepfakes of students
Act 496 prohibits students, teachers, school staff and employees from using deepfake material against K-12 students to harass, intimidate, coerce, or maliciously distribute or sell it.
Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act
Act 309 strengthens Louisiana’s hazing laws, requiring annual training, new hazing reporting tools for students, and tougher penalties when hazing results in a death. The law is named after Southern University student Caleb Wilson, who died in 2025 following an off-campus hazing incident.
Debit card surcharges
Act 751 bars retail businesses from imposing surcharges on customers paying with a debit card.
Requirements for immigrants seeking public benefits
Act 745 revises a current law limiting which immigrants qualify for public benefits like SNAP and Medicaid, and adds new reporting requirements.
Other laws taking effect Aug. 1
Act No. 342, known as the Behind the Counter Protection Act, creates tougher penalties for people who threaten or harm workers at places like stores, restaurants and other customer-facing businesses.
Act No. 6 requires annual reviews of Louisiana voter registration rolls through the federal SAVE program to identify and remove registered noncitizens.
https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/local-politics/new-louisiana-laws-taking-effect-aug-1-legislature-balloon-release-sewerage-and-water-board-deepfakes/289-aab780d7-ada3-4e84-8fc6-b21c4d3cf0b7?tbref=hp
ETA: This articles omits Act 293.
Small Succession by Affidavit gross estate value increases to $200,000
Effective August 1, 2026 Act 293 (House Bill 215) increases the gross value of property eligible for Small Succession by Affidavit from $125,000 to $200,000.
Senate Bill 254 signed by the Governor on June 2nd takes effect August 1, 2026.
Under the bill, the Attorney General’s Office would have the authority to investigate complaints and issue civil penalties of up to $500 per violation. Businesses would first receive a written notice and have time to correct the issue before law enforcement takes action.
The bill was proposed after consumers nationwide reported unexpected fees. The legislation requires the state to establish both a toll-free hotline and an online reporting system for consumers to submit receipts. The change does not impact credit card fees on transactions, but Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express merchants' agreements do in some cases.
"Despite the antidemocratic federal bill stalling in the Senate, new state laws that mimic parts of it will restrict voting for millions of Americans." Yes, Louisiana is one of them.
Louisiana passed a show-your-papers law in 2024 that left all the details to the secretary of state. Although this law has technically been in effect for almost two years, the secretary of state’s office has not taken steps to implement it. The registration form on the secretary’s website doesn’t even reference the need for citizenship documentation.
From the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law — States Already Enacting Harmful SAVE Act Policies, Requiring Proof of Citizenship to Vote https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/states-already-enacting-harmful-save-act-policies-requiring-proof
ETA: Not sure if the T-Shirts still come with a free trial bag of RESIST! Seasoning.
Effective August 1, 2026 Act 293 (House Bill 215) increases the gross value of property eligible for Small Succession by Affidavit from $125,000 to $200,000. Act 293. https://legis.la.gov/Legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1479530
Hope you have the gift cards from last weeks sale in hand. Happy Bastille Day (July 14th)🇫🇷
Verizon finally admitted there's an outage in Bywater. If you're having poor internet and/or phone service, please call and complain 800-922-0204.
T-Shirt Sales end July 7, 2026
Lagniappe: Spend $105 and get a Free 1/2 Mini Grill Gift Box
Stores are closed Saturday, July 4th.
This year's 21-Day Eat Local Challenge runs July 6 — 26. The goal is to eat foods grown, caught, or made within 200 miles of where you live. Crescent City Farmers Market (CCFM) usually has something special each year.
You can sign up here to receive 1 email a day for 21 days from the Marion Institute with:
Bon Appétit